In Western Australia it is illegal for people other than zoos, certified wildlife carers or certified sanctuaries/animal parks to keep most exotic and native Australian mammals as pets.  The WA Department of Agriculture has a list of birds, mammals and other species it is illegal to import or keep in this State. The Declared Animals List can be found on their website at www.agric.wa.gov.au, under Animal and Animal Products.

Other Australian states have similar prohibitions.

In WA, some reptiles may be kept as pets, however a licence must be obtained from the Department of Environment and Conservation.  The Keeping Reptiles and Amphibia as Pets page - www.naturebase.net/plants_animals/reptiles/faq.html#licence – has information regarding licences, keeping standards, and so on.

If you wish to become a wildlife carer, the Department of Environment and Conservation runs Wildlife Carer courses - www.naturebase.net/vacancies/volunteer_wildlife_courses.html or consider coming along to Perth Zoo's 'Into Wildlife' careers seminar for children aged 15 years and over.